31 January 2012

The Loyola Meralco Sparks will appeal the indefinite suspension that the Philippine Football Federation meted out against midfielder Matthew Hartmann.

The Sparks’ Vice Chairman Randy Roxas said that they have already sent a letter to the PFF stating their intent to appeal the case. According to Roxas, the team wants an explanation from the PFF Disciplinary Committee about the suspension.

In a letter dated January 25, 2012, the PFF advised the Filipino-British Hartmann of his suspension. Quoting the Disciplinary Committee’s decision, the letter read: “Effective immediately, the committee finds Hartmann ineligible to join any national football team. Further, effective immediately, the Committee disallows any football club or organization from fielding Hartmann in any PFF sanctioned tournaments.”

Loyola is part of the United Football League, which is sanctioned by the PFF.

In an earlier interview with News5, PFF president Nonong Araneta said that Hartmann’s suspension comes as a result of his departure from the Philippine Under-23 national team in the midst of the Southeast Asian Games football tournament. Hartmann, the captain of the squad, abandoned the team after a disagreement with coach Hans Michael Weiss.

Loyola is looking to appeal for a shorter suspension for Hartmann, and allowing the player to suit up for the Sparks in the UFL while the investigation is ongoing.

According to Roxas, Hartmann has filed an affidavit detailing the issues leading up to his walkout on the team, and has pleaded for leniency in his case.

Roxas added that Hartmann is disappointed by the PFF decision.

Loyola will be severely shorthanded in its next outing against Global FC on Wednesday. Apart from Hartmann, star striker Phil Younghusband will also miss the match after receiving a red card late in the Sparks’ 4-1 loss to Stallion Gilligan’s last Saturday.

Im not expecting too many fil-foreigners will add the squad and uncertain if Weiss will bring U21 players to UAE or they will stay home preparing for Brunei tournament.

Dennis Cagara ? Signed new German club . Not going to UAERoland Müller ? No news that he will be going to UAE.Simon Greatwich ? Vacation in Philippines , going home to USA ?Chieffy Caligdong ? InjuredJ. Christaens ? InjuredManuell Ott ? No news that he will be going to UAENeil Etheridge ? Confirmed not going to UAEStephan Schröck, injuredPaul Mulders ? Confirmed not going to UAEJason de Jong ?Jerry Lucena . Confirmed not going to UAEDennis Wolf . Probably not going to UAE

IT WASN’T only former PH Under 23 team captain Matt Hartman who got suspended by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Disciplinary Committee but also team manager Dan Palami himself.

“I was also suspended from all football-related activities,” Palami told Sun.Star Cebu yesterday.

Fortunately for Palami, his suspension was lifted after just one day.

The team manager’s suspension stemmed from his failure to answer allegations raised by Hartmann when the Disciplinary Committee conducted its investigation on the former captain leaving the team mid-way into the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games last year.

“I was handed a letter that I was supposed to answer within 24 hours, but when our office got it, I was out of the country, so I was not able to send my reply,” said Palami.

The allegations were related to the room assignment of Azkal supporters and family members in the SEA Games.

Palami’s suspension was to last until he could answer the allegations raised by Hartmann, which he did, so he can now concentrate on the Azkals activities, which include looking at a possible training camp, or even international friendly, in Cebu later this year.

“It (suspension) lasted for about a day,” said Palami, who will be leaving with the senior team for a training camp in Dubai.

As to the former team captain, who is banned from both the national team and all football-related activities in the country, Palami said he can still file an appeal.

Meanwhile Palami said Fulham third-choice goalkeeper Neil Etheridge will likely miss the Challenge Cup in Nepal next March due to club commitments.

“Neil most probably will not be released, but he will be playing for us on Feb. 29 against Malaysia,” said Palami.

With Neil getting tied to club duties, Germany-based Roland Muller is expected to take over.

“(Paul) Mulders already has the go signal to join us, I am also in constant contact with Dennis (Cagara) and Angel Aldeguer’s brother Juan Luis will be arriving on Feb. 5,” said Palami.

The manager added that Cebuano Ray Jonsson is also expected to play, while Stephen Shrock will also see action for one or two games.

However, Palami said it is still not sure whether Air Force spitfire Chieffy Caligdong, who got injured during their game against the Philippine Navy in the UFL, can play in the Challenge Cup.

“He has a partial ACL tear, so we are still waiting for the doctor’s assessment on whether he needs surgery,” said Palami.

A surgery will rule out Caligdong’s sting with the Azkals, who are already missing the services of team captain Alexander Borromeo due to an injury sustained last November.

The Philippines will have its Challenge Cup debut on March 9 against North Korea and will face India on March 11 and Tajikistan on March 13.

Tajikistan, and India are former champions while North Korea is the defending champion.

After the Challenge Cup, the Azkals will be released back to their clubs for UFL duties but will team up anew late in May to prepare for a short tournament in Manila during the designated Fifa break in June.

“We are planning to invite Indonesia over so we could finally have that home game we didn’t have. We are also looking at Thailand or even Vietnam,” said Palami, whose team played their “home match” against Indonesia in the Suzuki Cup 2010 semifinals in Jakarta.

“That will also be a chance for us to rack up points and rise in the Fifa rankings,” he said.

Aside from the Southeast Asian teams, Palami said he is looking at a major English Premier League club to complete the four-tournament friendly.

“The clubs usually have a short tournament in Hong Kong during that break and maybe, we can invite one over,” he said.

For the May training camp, Palami said he has already told the European-based players to spend their vacation in the Philippines so they can join the team training, which could be held in Cebu anew.

“I’m planning to put them in one place, maybe in Plantation Bay again so they can be with their families while at the same time train with the team,” said Palami.

During last year’s short training camp, the Azkals stayed at Plantation Bay and trained at the Aboitiz Sports Field pitch.

The manager added that he hopes Cebu will soon have a venue that can pass the Fifa standards so he can hold an international friendly here.

The only viable options for a match of such magnitude is the Cebu City Sports Center, whose field is under rehabilitation, and the planned University of San Carlos Stadium, which is still under construction.

“Cebu would be a very good location because the fans from the Visayas or Mindanao can just fly there,” he said.

Aside from the Challenge Cup, Palami is also busy with the U21 team that will see action in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei on Feb. 25 to March 3.

The team will be handled by the newly-hired Serbian coach Zoran Djordjevic, who so far has impressed Palami.

The coach told Palami, who is also the manager of the U21 squad, to prepare a bonus since he is confident of finishing as runner-up or even champion of the U21 competition.

“I’d be happy to pay the bonus since I was already planning to give a bonus anyway if they win it,” said Palami.

Djordjevic has also been busy watching local football matches to gauge the players’ skills.

“I think he went to all UFL games yesterday (last Sunday) and he’s also been watching the UAAP matches and he’s been talking to the coaches too,” said Palami.

Meanwhile, Palami said he is elated that the University of the Philippines has released its players to see action for the U21 team.

After the Brunei tournament, Palami plans to have friendly games between local senior and Under 23 teams in Bacolod, Iloilo and Cebu and the PH U21 team.

Former Under-23 Philippine Men's National Football team captain Matthew Hartmann has been declared ineligible to join any incarnation of the Philippine team and has received a ban preventing him from being fielded by local clubs or organizations for an indefinite period of time, according to the Philippine Football Federation.

Hartmann was recently sent a letter by the PFF, informing him of the decision of the PFF Disciplinary Committee, based on a December 12, 2011 complaint filed against him.

The 22-year-old English-Filipino infamously left in the middle of the U-23 Azkals' Southeast Asia Games campaign last November in Jakarta, due to friction with head coach Hans Michael Weiss.

Prior to his departure, the Azkals dropped two matches, with Hartmann scoring an own goal in their opener against Vietnam.

After his return from Jakarta, Hartmann then got into a verbal confrontation during a tune-up with members of the De La Salle University men's varsity football team and their head coach Hans Smit.

Hartmann then signed with the UFL team Loyola Meralco Sparks for the 2012 season of the United Football League, but his suspension now leaves the club a man down.

It is not immediately known if Hartmann plans to appeal the suspension. - Adrian Dy/KBK, GMA News

Andres Bonifacio Elementary School boys' Under 18 football team beat Handumanan, 1-0, while its boys' Under 12 ABES A squad tamed Wild Fox A, 2-1, to capture two titles in the 1st Councilor Carlos Jose “Carl” Valderrama Lopez 7-Aside Football Festival at the Bacolod City National High School pitch, Saturday.

Topping the eliminations in Under 18 against nine other teams, ABES went on to dominate the final match against Handumanan to secure the championship.

ABES' Jaymer Ciocon was named tournament Most Valuable Player, while his teammate Bell Bark Ortega received the best goalkeeper award.

In the Under 12 division, the boys from Andres Bonifacio beat 19 other clubs, including sister team ABES B in the semifinals, to school needed to tame sister team ABES B in the semifinals to arrange a title showdown against Wild Fox A.

Once again, ABES boys Adams Servanes and Sandy Remolado led the cast of individual awardees. Servanes was Under 12 MVP and Romolado, as best goal keeper.

In men's open category, UNO-Recoletos prevailed over Jackals A, 2-1, in the final match to win the title and the P3,000 cash prize. The Jackals received P2,000, while second runner-up Bacolod FC was given P1,000.

Recoletos' booter Michael Coral was MVP in the men's open event, while his teammate Jay Longno was adjudged as best goal keeper.

In the final match of girls' Under 14, Rizal Elementary school got away with a 1-0 win over St. Scholastica's Academy, with keeper Marikel Baleda bagging two individual awards – MVP and best goalie.

Rising Star Football Club was the recipient of the “Fair Play Award”, while Coach Ulyses Trillo was named best coach of the tournament.

Supervising the one day football festival was tournament director Emilio Goto, with match commissioners Dennis Estaniel, Leo Dayot and Catalino Valderrama Jr.

The competition drew participation from 50 teams from different football clubs in Negros Occidental.*NAB

YANSON Group of Bus Companies (YGBC) 2011 North Football League (NFL) Third Conference champion Ceres Football Club and two-time conference champion Dynamic Builders, as well as Real Negrense, scored emphatic wins against their respective opponents during the opening last weekend of the NFL 2012 season at the Ayala North Point football pitch in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

The three winners issued a strong message to all and sundry that they are very serious in their title bids in the 6-team tournament.

Defending champion Ceres FC started its title retention bid with a 4-1 domination of 3rd Conference 2nd runner-up Minuluan-Talisay. Ceres led 3-0 at the half behind the goals of Eliseo Palomo in the 9th minute, John Tromdita in the 21st and John Villaruel in the 36th minute.

Minuluan-Talisay tightened its defense and launched more aggressive attacks when play resumed. The teams efforts paid off, as John Decatoria found his mark in the 71st minute.

However, Villaruel countered with incursion in the middle in the 76th minute to seal the game for Ceres.

Earlier in the second game, Dynamic Builders made mince-meat of Las Buenas Football Club, blanking the latter en route to a 7-0 victory.

Jason Panhay scored at the 13th minute, Ali Go quickly followed suit at the 16th minute and Roland Ian Treyes added another goal in the 20th minute to end the half, 3-0.

Go converted again in the 43rd minute when play resumed in the second half, Andy Coscolluela scored a minute later, and Go completed his hat trick at the 66th. Amber Tiongson sank another goal in the 80th minute.

Real Negrense posted a lopsided win against Trimaxi-Agro FC, scoring the first five goals in the first and another six goals in the second half against Trimaxis three goals in the game.

Luis William Claur ignited the onslaught in the 15th minute, William Flores at 31st; Luis Christian Claur in the 34th and 40th; Jose Tolete at 35th; Jason Castanilla made three goals at 46th, 74th and 77th minute; Wilson Valencia at 47th, Rex Obelario at 49th and Joe Gubatayan at 52nd minute.

Playing coach Eric Gallaga scored the first goal for Trimaxi in the 54th minute, Troy Fegidero at the 60th and Best de la Noche at the 70thminute.

Tournament commissioner Ramon Janeo said that the February 5, Saturday schedule of games will give fans a preview of what happened in the 2011 3rd conference when Ceres FC derailed the grand slam dreams of Dynamic, as both teams will face each other in the second game at 3:30 p.m.

Real Negrense and Las Buenas FC will meet n the first game at 1:30 p.m., then the main game will be between Trimaxi-Agro FC and Minuluan-Talisay at 5:30 p.m.

Janeo added that YGBC holds the football tournament to make Negrenses more aware and enjoy the beautiful game of football, in the same manner that they enjoy watching basketball and other mainstream sports.

29 January 2012

AT the rate the national team preparations are going, German coach Michael Weiss cautioned local fans not to expect any miracles when the Azkals compete in the AFC Challenge Cup in Katmandhu, Nepal in March.

"As far as the Challenge Cup preparations are concerned, they are far from ideal," Weiss said after the nationals were held to a 2-2 draw by FC Global in a recent tune-up match at the Rizal Memorial Football field.

"The performance does not give us so much hope. Every single individual did not perform as far as they were expected given the demands of a big tournament in six weeks’ time," he noted. "My impression as you can see is that they are distracted. Why, I don’t know."

Considered the tougher of the two groups in the Nepal tourney, the Filipinos are bracketed in Group B with India, Tajikistan and North Korea, the 2006, 2008 and 2010 AFC Challenge Cup titlists, respectively.

Comparing the performance of the Filipino booters the previous weekend when they battled the visiting Icheon City squad of South Korea to a 1-all draw before losing 2-4 in a penalty shootout, Weiss said his charges’ showing in the tune-up game was "like day and night."

But he quickly added he would not consider the performance "traumatic," citing the two side’s practices were limited to once a week due to the players’ commitments with their respective UFL clubs.

Weiss said the Azkals’ coming training camp Dubai would be crucial to their build-up for the AFC Challenge Cup.

"Especially now with the situation in the Philippines (with the UFL), it is important to have the team day by day, to work on team strategy, set pieces, we have to work on ball possession, the whole football package," he said, adding he’s hopeful the UFL players would be released for the camp.

The German mentor said he’s looking forward to re-establishing team chemistry among the Azkals "and possibly get us closer together."

At least 20 to 22 players were listed and their visas secured for the Middle East training stint, but Weiss said he will only know who exactly will be available "once we are there."

The Azkals are expected to have three tune-up games during the two-week camp, namely against the Azerbaijan national team coached by former German national team mainstay Berti Vogts, top Qatari club Al-Ahrabi and the Australian Under-23 Olympic team.

Despite the numerous handicaps, Weiss said he and his wards would give the AFC Challenge Cup their best shot but admitted that "with the limited training it won’t be easy."

Global FC drew strength from the return of leader Angel Guirado as it smashed Nomads Auction Manila, 5-1, to move to a share of second spot in the United Football League at the Nomads field in Parañaque City.

After engineering the first half onslaught to put Global 4-0 up, Guirado, back from suspension after being tossed out for a red card during a shock 1-2 defeat to Army Fritz & Macziol last Jan. 15, joined the scoring parade with a 54th minute goal that capped the lopsided victory.

It was Global’s second straight win starting with a 2-0 bashing of Pasargad FC a week ago when Guirado served out the automatic one-game suspension. Global joined LBC-backed Kaya – which was playing Navy Red Juice at press time for the solo lead – and Loyola Meralco Sparks at No. 2 with six points each.

And now Guirado, one of the more popular members of the Azkals headed by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, is back.

Midfielder William Espinosa opened up the scoring with a goal just two minutes gone in the match and after half an hour, the goals came in succession thanks to Abdalla Ahmed Hwedi (31’), Carlos de Murga (41’) and captain Badrelin Elhabbib (45’).

The Nomads, which fell to their first loss to remain in the middle of the pack with four points, averted an embarrassing shutout, thanks to Steven Borril’s goal on the 62nd minute when the game was already decided.

Earlier, Pasargad leaned on Charlie Sutcliffe’s equalizing goal on the 62nd minute to escape with a 1-1 draw with the Hans Smith-mentored Green Archers United to nail down its first point.

The Archers, also winless after two previous outings, were on their way to snaring their first triumph after Shag Shapay Johnson gave them a 1-0 lead on the 53rd minute, until Sutcliffe struck.

The Philippine Azkals look to hone their skills against two Olympics-aspiring sides – Uzbekistan and Australia – in their Middle East training camp from Feb.7-17 in preparation for their AFC Challenge Cup campaign in March in Nepal.

Organizers of the Azkals’ Tour yesterday announced that Phl XI will kick off their three-game slate against Uzbekistan on Feb. 11 in Dubai, then battle Qatari club Al Ahli SC two days later in Doha, and wrap up with a game against Qantas Australian U-23 on Feb. 16 in Dubai.

It was not immediately clear whether it will be the U-23 team or the national team from Uzbekistan that will engage the Azkals in a friendly. In their Facebook page, organizers said it will be the national team (senior) but according to Azkals team coordinator Ace Bright, they will play the U-23 crew.

“Uzkebistan is a very strong football team, whether it’s the U-23 or the senior team. They are in the top four in Asia and their U-23 is in the eliminations for the Olympics,” Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta said.

The Uzbekistan White Wolves’ senior team was a semifinalist in the last AFC Asian Cup while their U-23 squad currently holds the Group B lead in the preliminary round 3 of the AFC Asian qualifiers for the London Olympics with five points (1-2-0).

The Olyroos of Australia are in the same group as Uzbeks U-23, occupying third with three points (0-3-0). The two battled to a scoreless draw last November and will meet again on Feb. 5 at the resumption of continental qualifiers for London.

The only local club in the Azkals’ itinerary, Al Ahli SC, competes in the Qatar Stars League, the highest professional league in Qatari football.

“Our main objective in this camp is to put the players together for practices and practice matches. It’s very important that we give them the chance to play as a team against good teams in preparation for the Challenge Cup,” said Araneta.

The Azkals were supposed to take on Serbian powerhouse Partizan Belgrade in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 6 to start their camp. But visa problems forced the Avram Grant-coached Black and Whites to call off their UAE trip and the Azkals couldn’t get a new opponent for that date on short notice.

Stallion Gilligan's FC outplayed Loyola Meralco Sparks, 4-1, to book another upset win on Saturday in the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

It was Stallion FC’s second straight win against a UFL title contender after dealing defending champion Philippine Air Force a defeat last Wednesday by the same scoreline.

Stallion now occupies the top spot with nine points as it remained unbeaten after three matches.

The Sparks suffered their first setback after two straight victories for third place with six points in the league table.

Phil Younghusband scored the first goal of the match in the 10th minute.

Antonio Albor equalized the match with a 14th-minute strike while Ruben Doctora nailed the go-ahead goal three minutes later.

Koreans Yoon Byeong Jun and Lee Joo Yong connected in the second half to extend the Stallion's lead.

In the first match, Philippine Navy forced reigning titilist Air Force to a 2-2 draw.

Luis Brillantes got Navy going after a 0-2 deficit with a 17th-minute goal before Meliton Pelayo booked the match-tying goal in the 62nd minute.

Surgeant Montillano opened the match with a 10-minute goal after a Chieffy Caligdong through ball. Caligdong would then score two minutes later sending a laser strike to the back of the net for an early 2-0 lead.

Nevertheless, Air Force took its first point of the league after two straight defeats. Navy, which has a better goal difference, takes seventh place. — JVP, GMA News

The XANG-LI UNITED FC is hosting a 7 A-SIDE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT (Age groups, men's and women's open) at the Pampanga Agricultural College on February 4 and 5, 2012. FOR DETAILS CALL or TEXT: Lt Col Auro - 0915-563-8475 or Roy Auro Jr. - 0916-269-7608.

MANILA, Philippines — League-leading University of Santo Tomas and defending champion University of the Philippines were held to scoreless draws on Thursday in the 74th UAAP men's football action at the Ateneo pitch.

The Growling Tigers were caught by surprise by University of the East while the Fighting Maroons were also forced to a standoff by La Salle even without their suspended striker and PH U-23 mainstay Jinggoy Valmayor.

UST kept its hold of the lead with two wins, two draws and no defeats for eight points while UP remained in second spot with a 1-3-0 slate for six points.

In the other game, Jesus Melliza scored a rare hat trick as Far Eastern University trounced Ateneo, 3-1. The Tamaraws won their first game of the season to stay in third at 1-2-1 for five points.

Melliza did the trick in the 18th, 20th and 69th minutes to power FEU to the victory.

Meanwhile, women's action in both volleyball and softball resume today at The Arena in San Juan and Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, respectively.

The Loyola Meralco Sparks try to live up to their top billing as they dispute the solo lead with a surprisingly tough Stallion Gilligan side today in the first division of the United Football League at the Rizal Memorial pitch.

Led by brothers Phil and James Younghusband, the Sparks pulled off a 3-2 victory over the Hans Smith-mentored Green Archers United two weeks ago and a 2-1 triumph over the Armymen to show the way with the idle Kaya FC and darkhorse Stallion Gilligan’s FC with six points apiece. A win counts for three points, a draw one point and a loss none.

The Stallions, ranked outside of the top four, continued to defy the odds as they opened the season with a 6-0 rout of Navy Red Juice a couple of weeks ago and a shock 4-1 win over reigning League and Cup titlist Air Force Phoenix last Tuesday.

“This Loyola game will be a big test for us,” said Stallion team manager Ernest Nierras.

Kaya, meanwhile, plays Navy Red Juice at 6 p.m. tomorrow at the University of Makati field, looking for a victory and a continued share of the lead with the winner of the Sparks-Stallions duel.

While focus will be on the Younghusbands, Lee Joo Young will be the marked player as the Korean leads the field in goals scored with five, including a hat trick in that lopsided win over Navy.

The Philippine Azkals will be hard-pressed to fill up huge holes especially in the midfield as a number of Europe-based pros are still uncertain for Phl XI’s upcoming training camp in the Middle East and possibly the AFC Challenge Cup campaign itself in March in Nepal.

Asked about who’s expected in the Dubai and Doha camps, Azkals coach Michael Weiss ruled out the participation of Fil-German Stephan Schröck and Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena and said the inclusion of Fil-Dutch Paul Mulders and Jason de Jong, Fil-Danish Dennis Cagara, Fil-Icelandic Ray Jonsson, and Fil-German Manny Ott are up in the air.

“Schröck is injured, he won’t come. Mulders, most likely he’ll not come. Maybe Ott, maybe de Jong, and maybe Jonsson. Lucena already confirmed he won’t come, he won’t be released by his club, “ Azkals coach Michael Weiss said Wednesday night after the Azkals fought Global FC to a 2-2 draw at the Rizal Memorial pitch.

“Cagara will get a decision from a German club in the Second League; if he gets a professional contract, I don’t see him come to Dubai and most likely our chances are also slim of him playing for the Challenge Cup, but that remains open, I’m not sure about that yet. I also hope I can get (Fil-German Roland) Muller for the goalkeeper, maybe Neil (Etheridge), if he’ll be available,” he added.

With uncertainty of most of the Euro-based players, the midfield becomes a major concern for Weiss.

“(Midfield’s) very crucial. We have a couple of choices but if no one’s available, that’s gonna be a problem, so we’re working on Chris Greatwich coming over for the Malaysia match (on Feb. 29). But if all those players are not available, we have to work with local-based players from the UFL but with limited training time, of course, it’s not easy,” he said.

Weiss looks to their UAE and Qatar training camp beginning Feb. 6 as the best way to catch up as their sessions so far have been “far from ideal.” The Azkals are set to play against Al Arabi on Feb. 13 in Doha and Australian U-23 on Feb. 16 in Dubai, and one more opponent. They are negotiating with Azerbaijan for a Feb. 10 fixture.

“Overall, the situation right now, as far as Challenge Cup preparations are concerned, is far from ideal,” he said, lamenting the limited time he can assemble even the local-based players due to their commitment with their respective UFL clubs.

Wednesday’s tuneup match, he said, reflected how far the Azkals are to ideal form.

“The performance does not give us so much hope, that’s my impression, because you can see that players are somehow distracted. Why? I don’t know but the performance was far from what’s being demanded in a big tournament (coming) in six weeks’ time. So we can only hope when we really get the boys to Dubai together, we can do someting better,” he said.

Weiss said compared to the Azkals’ United’s showing against Korean club Icheon Citizen, the Phl XI’s latest performance versus Global was like “night and day,” although he said it was to be expected given their limited time to train together.

“Especially now with the situation in Phl internally, it’s important to have the team day by day to work on team strategy, defensive tactic, set pieces, general ball possessions, strategies, etc., the whole package that football contains, and you can pratice that most positively in a match.

“So we’ll have three good matches, three days of training (in the Middle East) and hopefully that can get us closer together,” he said.

QUEEN City United will be playing its second game against Agila FC in the second division of the United Football League this Sunday at the Bonifacio Global Center.

But aside from adjusting to the new football pitch, head coach Mario Ceniza expects his players to step up their game with the absence of starters Lehmar Baunsit and Ryan Lerio.

The two will be dropped from the lineup this week as Baunsit was not given clearance by his doctor to play after suffering from pneumonia, while Lerio had to go back to San Carlos City to attend to his sick son.

This will be the second consecutive time defense player Baunsit will not play for the team. He failed to make it to the debut game last week where they pulled off a 1-1 draw against Diliman Victory Liner.

Aside from that, six players from the team had been charged with yellow cards which means that another card would bench them for the next match which is against a more experienced Laos FC.

“We have to be careful because six of our players have yellow cards and it would put us at a disadvantage if we’ll miss them for our next match against Laos,” said Ceniza.

Ceniza reminded his substitute players to step-up to reserve the players for next week’s match but he said it will still depend on the situation of the game.

NOT too many people know that before Dan Palami took over the senior team, he was the manager of the Under 19 squad that had their breakfast, lunch, dinner and midnight snacks handed to them in 45 minutes during the AFC Under 19 championships qualifiers in 2009.

Because of that humiliating showing, when Dan was offered the job as senior team manager, he vowed not to be as ill-prepared as the Under 19 team.

A lot of folks know that Dan was the manager of the Southeast Asian Games team last November, who, shall we diplomatically say, failed to live up to their newspaper space and TV airtime.

Aside from saying the SEAG team will be better prepared and that they will be joining the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei next month, nothing much was heard of the team before the announcement of the PFF hiring Serbian coach Zoran Dordevic a few days ago, and the announcement of a team tryout a week ago.

The last time we joined the Bolkiah Cup, we lost to Myanmar, 9-1, and Cambodia, 6-0, and to Brunei, 3-2, in the final match. That Brunei loss was painful. We were up 2-0 at half-time and lost after conceding two goals in the last two minutes. That squad had Phil Younghusband, and now UFL players Jason Cordova, Matthew Hartmann, Francis Gustilo and Dave Villon.

And now, the big question is, are we headed for a repeat of the SEAG debacle? Are we throwing in an ill-prepared team to an international competition?

The simple answer is yes as this year’s tournament will start on Feb. 25, and if they’re still conducting trials on Jan. 21…

But, it’s not as simple as that.

Dan told me the other day he’s having a hard time gathering the players for practice due to UFL and UAAP duties.

Aah, crap, the collegiate game. It is understandable why colleges hold on to their players since they’re the one paying handsomely for their scholarships but this conflict of schedule could have been avoided by a simple change of schedule—hold the damn football tournament early.

It’s the same problem in Cebu. The college season starts late to give way to the basketball season, and all other tournaments involving the age group have to wait.

This conflict of schedule, too, is what former national team Aris Caslib pointed out as one of the problems in Philippine football when he did his presentation to the PFF Board of Governors last January, 2011.

I guess his suggestion to talk with the UAAP and NCAA guys was never taken?

The Bolkiah trophy will be the first outing of this U21 squad, but it’s not the goal.

Dan is aiming for the AFF U22 contest and the SEA Games next year and I admit that this is one massive preparation.

I’m only afraid, though, that if the team does poorly in the Bolkiah Cup, which will end just as the Challenge Cup is starting, folks will remember SEAG 2011 and well, you know what I mean.

By the way, Dan said he’s going for locally-based players (take note, locally-based, not locals), so perhaps this addresses the criticism on how team chemistry was shot to hell in the SEAG when as many as six players flew in a day before the competitions.

“I’m fixing sight on U23 SEAG as promised, but this team will have to absorb initial setbacks. The good thing is that we are building strong local-based players. Raw talents still, but the new coach sees the diamonds underneath,” Dan said.

Diamonds in the rough is the perfect way to describe the team and I hope we finally see the final product in SEAG 2013.

As for the Bolkiah Cup?

I’m not expecting much but since most of the U21 members played in the SEAG, I expect them to fight as if they have something to prove because those guys really do have something to prove.

So, what’s after Bolkiah? I hope, since this won’t be the first time, the PFF will get to talk with the schools about the release of players. If clubs take a rap for not releasing players to a friendly, shouldn’t the schools/league take some of the heat, too?

“After Bolkiah, I will tour this team around to play senior teams in Bacolod, Iloilo, Cebu, etc. and also friendlies with UFL first divisions.”

The 1st Councilor Carlos Jose “Carl” Valderrama Lopez 7-A-Side Football Festival kicks off tomorrow at Bacolod City National High School pitch with at least 49 teams joining the competition.

In yesterday’s coaches and team managers’ meeting at the Bacolod Government Center, tournament manager Emilio Goto said they are expecting other football clubs to beat the deadline before the event opens tomorrow.

Up for grabs are top places in five categories, boys and girls’ 17 Under, girls’ 13 Under, boys’ 12 Under, and men’s open.

As of press deadline, teams that registered in the men’s open are Mabini Alumni A & B, Handumanan United, Barangay 28, FC Bacolod A & B, Montevista United, Barangay 3 and Jackals A and B.

Teams in the boys’ 17-under are: Rising Star A & B, HandumananUnited A & B,Andres Bonifacio Elementary School FC, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos A & B, Domingo Lacson National High School, Bacolod City and St. John’s Institute.

Participating in the girls’ 17 Under are two teams each from St. Scholastica’s Academy and UNO-Recoletos.

Seeing action in girls’ 13 Under are; ABES FC, St. Scholastica’s Academy, Rizal Elementary School A and B, and Bata ll.

In the boys’ 12 Under, the teams are: Rising Star A and B, Handumanan 1 & 2, Barangay 28, Montevista United, ABES FC A and B, St. Scholastica’s Academy A and B, Mabini Elementary School A and B, St. John’s Institute, Real Negrense A and B, Wild Fox A and B, Rizal Elementary School, UNO-R and Bata ll.*NAB

Kuala Lumpur: Continental youth action promises to be more exciting with the draw set for the qualifiers of new championship AFC U-22 Asian Cup and 39 countries having submitted their interest to participate.

The draw date has been set on February 14, 2012, at 11:00 hrs, at AFC House, for the qualification campaign which will be held this year.

The first edition is expected to be held in June 2013 while the next edition of the biennial competition will serve as qualifiers for the 2016 Olympics.

26 January 2012

DOHA: The highly popular Philippine national football team Azkals will see action in a friendly match against Qatar Stars League (QSL) club Al Ahli on February 13, their debut game in Qatar which is expected to draw an estimated 20,000 crowd.

Hussein Al Amri, General Manager of Al Ahli Club, has agreed with Media Pro, a sports marketing firm based in Dubai, to bring the much adored Azkals team composed mostly of talented young players who are European born but with Filipino roots.

Organiser Pinoy Football Qatar is optimistic about the huge spectators turn out especially that the two famous brothers, Phil and James Younghusband will surely play along with other equally popular team-mates Neil Etheridge, Stefan Shrock, Manuel Ott and Paul Mulder.

Vice Consul Jabbar Adiong of the Philippine Embassy in Qatar has assured they will fully support the event by sending memorandum to all Filipino community groups to help in spreading the information.

It would be another acid test for the Azkals team already making waves in the Southeast Asian football front as they will face the highly-competitive Al Ahli Football Club which Al Amri said most of his players have played for Qatar in global competitions.

“I’m sure Filipinos will love the friendly match,” Al Amri told The Peninsula. He said the choice of the date on February 13 at 7:00 pm is a perfect time since everybody will be relaxing on the eve of the holiday, the Qatar National Sports Day.

“This will be a great chance for us to see live in action the famous Azkals,” said Denrie Catalan, president of Pinoy Football Qatar. He said they have worked out for the Azkals stint in Qatar for more than a year through consistent follow up with Philippine Football Federation.

25 January 2012

MANILA, Philippines - Azkals coach Michael Weiss was not happy with the national football team's performance in a test match at the Rizal Stadium Wednesday afternoon.

With less than 2 weeks before the team heads off to the Middle East for a series of matches, Weiss admitted that the Azkals have lot to improve on.

"The preparation now, as far as the Challenge Cup is concerned, is far from ideal," he said.

However, Weiss does not entirely attribute the team's performance to the players alone.

"It doesn't look so good if I compare this to last week's performance. But on the other hand, if you come together only once a week and meet for only for a short time, the result can really be like that," he explained.

Weiss said the Azkals will have 3 matches abroad.

The team will be in Dubai on February to face the Azerbaijan team and Australian under-23 team.

They will also head to Qatar for a match against Al-Arabi.

He stressed that it is important for the team to meet every day to be able to develop their strategy, defensive tactics and set pieces.

He also hopes to make best use of their limited time, saying that they no longer have the same grip on players as they used to.

Nevertheless, Weiss remains optimistic.

"Hopefully, the team grows together and plays together as we did last week with the Koreans. Because today was not a very outstanding performance," he said.

THE Vicenta Tionko Memorial Football Cup will kick off on Saturday at the Tionko football grounds.

Davao Football Association (Davao FA) general secretary Erwin Protacio, in an e-mailed fact sheet to Sun.Star Davao Wednesday, said the two-day 7-A-Side tournament will feature boys under-18, under-15 and under-13, boys and girls under-11, men's open and women's open categories.

He said a brief opening rites set at 8 a.m. will usher in the start of the games in boys and girls events.

Games in the open competition will yet be played on Sunday. Registration fee is pegged at P500 per team.

"Each team shall be composed of not more than 12 active players. Teams should bring photocopies of birth certificates of each of their players," Protacio said.

Teams that won't join the opening ceremony will not be allowed to compete.

The bootfest serves as one of the selection criteria for the formation of Davao FA teams in different age groups.

Davao FA teams will represent the city to any local, regional, or national competition organized by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

The Tionko event is organized by the Davao Football Association (DFA) under DFA President Edward Lam. (RPSA)

THE North Football League (NFL) 2012 Season is set to kick off on January 29 at the Ayala North Point football pitch in the Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Tournament commissioner Ramon Janeo said that the schedule of tournament’s opening is set on this date to give way for the 1st Negros First Men's Football Championships finals which was played January 21.

Dynamic Builders is expected to come out strong to avenge its 2-1 loss in last year’s 3rd Conference finals against the Ceres Transport. The Transporters’ win foiled the Builders grand slam bid in that tournament.

On the proposed banning of players seeing action in the United Football League as well as current university players, Janeo stressed that the suggestion to ban UFL standouts in this league was disapproved. In short, these players who likewise suite up in different teams in the UFL remain in their respective rosters and kept by team owners.

The tournament official, however, disclosed that, unlike the UFL players, current universities and collegiate mainstays are disallowed to join the league.

Among those players who are playing in the NFL as well as in the mentioned leagues are Trimaxi’s FJ Serious (Pachanga FC/UFL) and Dynamic FC Jason Cordova (Stallion FC/UFL), as well as newly drafted Lemuel Unabia (Green Archers United FC/UFL) and Kenneth Doloso (Pachanga FC/UFL).

Unabia is a member of the defending PFF-Suzuki Cup U23 national Cup champion Ceres-Negros U23 while Doloso is a former West Negros University standout and National Coke Go-for-Goal U16 National Finals Best Goalkeeper awardee. He was also part of the Wesnecan team which won the 2006 NOFA provincial Futsal championship at the Negros Occidental Multi-Purpose Activity Center and a former member of the U20 and U21 Philippines Men's national football team.

Schedule of games will be determined a week before the tournament. (With Scoop-Bacolod)

According to PFF President Araneta, they are sending invites to the Vietnam and Singapore national teams, and Fulham, Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers to play the national team in Manila during this two-week long invitational tournament scheduled for Early June

24 January 2012

The Philippine Azkals will no longer get to play Serbian powerhouse FK Partizan Belgrade in their 12-day training camp next month in the UAE after the reigning Serbian SuperLiga champions called off their Dubai sortie.

“The Azkals’ match with Partizan that’s supposed to be held on Feb. 6 will not push through anymore apparently because of visa problems on their part,” confirmed Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta yesterday.

Multi-titled Partizan is under a new coach in Avram Grant, an Israeli. In their website, “The Black and Whites” announced that after the cancellation of their preparation in Dubai, the team is searching for opponents in Israel instead for a planned trip from Jan. 25 to Feb. 8.

The Azkals will hold camp in the UAE and Qatar from Feb. 5-17 as a crucial part of their buildup for the AFC Challenge Cup in March in Nepal.

With the showdown against the top-flight Serbian club now off, the Azkals will be left with three tune-up matches.

Araneta said so far, only Al Ahli Sports Club has confirmed for the Feb. 13 match in Doha, Qatar while negotiations are ongoing for a Feb. 16 duel with the Australian U-23 side in Dubai. The Azkals also are looking for an opponent for a Feb. 10 match in Dubai.

While the Azkals hone their skills abroad, the PFF will kick off its grassroots program at home via the “Asian Football Development Program” on Feb. 10-11 in Calamba, Laguna.

Stallion FC won 4-1 today against Air Force in UFL Div 1 and is now leading UFL div 1 after 2 matches.

Stallions were leading 3-0 at halftime after two goals by Lee Joo Young and Ruben Doctora. Veteran player Yanti Bersales scored one goal for Air Force before Ruben Doctora scored his second goal for Stallion FC.

"We are sorry to announce that the game in Abu Dhabi against Partizan Belgrade on 6 February is now OFF. Due to reasons beyond our control Partizan Belgrade are unable to make this fixture. We are unable to arrange new opposition at such short notice on the same date."

FIFA’s newly appointed director for marketing and television committee Monico Puentevella will push for the establishment of the Visayas-Mindanao Football Open to widen the base of talents and at the same time sustain the gains of the sport the last two years.

“While the United Football League is doing a good job in Manila, this will be another medium where top level competition among the provinces, which used to dominate the country’s national program, will be sustained and continue to produce top-notch players in coordination with the PFF’s national grassroots program under president Mariano Araneta,” Puentevella said.

The Visayas-Mindanao Football Open, according to Puentevella, will help encourage Negros, Iloilo, Dumaguete, Cebu, Davao and other cities/provinces to seek private support for their respective squads for the PFF/Smart football development program.

He also cited football aces like the Caligdongs, Aranetas, Tonogs, Broces, Fegideros, Bedias and the late Chris Monfort, all hail from the Ilonggo provinces while Mindanao also has had its share of players with the national teams.

“We cannot continue to rely on our blood brothers from abroad. This is the lesson we learned unfortunately in the recent SEA Games in Indonesia. As far as developmental programs are concerned, we are just at par with Brunei, Myanmar, Laos, Bangladesh, etc.

“But the main difference is, football is their only and main national sport priority, while we have plenty at hand,” said Puentevella.

“Cebu notified us that they are ready anytime while the Yanson brothers of Bacolod just became champions this week of the Governors Cup. I am sure the other provinces would want to join the tournament owing to the recent surge of the Azkals’ popularity in the country. Smart has signified its intention to be one, if not the main sponsor, of this proposed tournament,” Puentevella said.

The FIFA executive also believes that the highlight for the year will be the ultimate challenge between the UFL champion against the Vis-Min champion on a home and away basis.

“I guess this is a task Nonong wants me to pursue in FIFA aside from the GOAL Project among others,” he said.

Puentevella was nominated recently to the FIFA board by its president Joseph Blatter and is the only Filipino officer of FIFA for the next four years in Zurich, Switzerland.

MANILA, Philippines - Kaya FC leaned on Fil-Am midfielder Lexton Moy’s heroics as it turned back a tough Green Archers United, 2-1, for a share of the lead with Loyola Meralco Sparks in Division One of the United Football League at the University of Makati field last Sunday.

Moy drilled in two goals, including one on the 86th minute gave the LBC-backed Kaya its second straight win after a stunning 1-0 victory over reigning League and Cup champion Air Force Phoenix.

The Sparks, led by brothers James and Phil Younghusband, also tote six points.

“It’s a great feeling winning our first two games but it’s still too early to tell our chances. We just have to keep on working hard,” said Kaya’s locally based Spanish coach Juan Cutillas.

After a scoreless first half, Moy, who played school ball for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Long Island University Blackbirds, drew first blood with a goal on the 48th minute.

The Hans Smith-mentored Archers, who yielded a 2-3 decision to the Sparks in their opening game, fought their way back behind Arvin Gaspe’s goal on the 85th minute to tie the count.

But Moy, who also played pro ball in the Hong Kong First Division League for two seasons before joining the Azkals as a reserve and then Kaya as a regular last year, blasted in the marginal goal exactly a minute later.

Meanwhile, Air Force Phoenix hopes to bounce back from a heartbreaking setback to Kaya as it takes on Stallion Gilligan’s FC at 6 tonight at the University of Makati field.

Spearheaded by Azkals strikers Chieffy Caligdong and Ian Araneta, the Airmen are looking to get on the scoring board with a win against a Stallion Gilligan’s team, which routed Navy Red Juice, 6-0, in the most lopsided win in the tournament thus far.

Another win by the Stallions, who have three points, would keep them in step with Kaya and the Sparks.

MANILA, Philippines - Bidding for a better showing in the next Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine Football Federation got things rolling this early by getting the services of veteran Serbian coach Zoran Dordevic.

Described as an accomplished mentor both at the international and club level, Dordevic will be assigned to help handle teams outside the senior squad (Azkals), beginning with Under-21 squad doing battle in next month’s Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) meet in Brunei.

According to Azkals chief and newly designated U-21 manager Dan Palami, the mainstays of the Brunei-bound team will likely form the core of Phl’s U-23 entry to the 2013 SEAG in Myanmar.

“We want to make sure that we will be well-prepared for the SEA Games next year as what we promised after our disappointing result in Indonesia,” said Palami, who also took charge of the U-23 team that placed last in its group in Jakarta, winning only one game.

The entry of Dordevic, 60, will allow German mentor Michael Weiss to concentrate solely on the seniors team. Weiss concurrently called the shots for the SEAG U-23 team while handling the Azkals.

Dordevic is expected to bring in a wealth of experience. He was credited for steering Bangladesh to the South Asian Games crown in 2010 without conceding a single goal and prior to this, he piloted FC Churchill to the diadem in the top-flight I-League in India.

At least 50 teams will join the 1st Councilor Carl Lopez 7-A-Side Football Festival that kicks off January 28 at Bacolod City National High School pitch.

Tournament coordinator Emilio Goto said the one-day football event aims to discover more players in the city and in support of the sports development program of the provincial government of Negros Occidental and the city government of Bacolod.

With Dennis Estaniel as match commissioner, the football festival will have three catetories, the men’s open, boys’ Under 18, and boys’ Under 12, Goto said.

He added that 20 teams are set to join in the men’s open, and 15 each for Under 18 and Under 12 categories.

To finalize the details of the event, a managers and coaches meeting is set on January 26 at the New Government Center, Goto said.*NAB

THE Freddie Lazarito-mentored Ceres Football Club trampled the undermanned Bacolod United FC, 11-0 to romp off with the title in the Negros First Governor Alfredo G. Marañon, Jr. Football Challenge during the championship showdown at Panaad Park and Stadium, Bacolod City Sunday.

Aldrin Dolino caught the defense napping, as he drilled in his first goal right at the 2nd minute of the game en route to a hat trick. Dolino, who was adjudged Best Midfielder of the tourney, scored two more goals in the 10th and 60th minutes.

Ruben Doctora contributed two goals (26th and 81st minutes), as well as Ralf Layumas (70th and 77th minutes) to pile up the points for Ceres.

Bacolod United’s Jayme Poderoso, who was adjudged Best Striker of the tourney with 16 goals, attacks the goal but was fouled by Ceres goalkeeper Robert Mendoza who earned a yellow card for breaking up a promising play. (Butch Bacaoco)

Jason Cordova (9th), Ali Go (53rd), Frederick John Serios (58) and Eliseo Palomo (75th) scored a goal each to complete the rout of hapless Bacolod United which was missing the services of its stalwarts Joeven Bedic, Norman Fegidero and the Tacusalme brothers Camelo and Carlo who had commitments with their mothers clubs in the United Football League in Manila.

Bacolod United had its closest chance to salvage its pride when Jayme Poderoso, though harassed by two Ceres defenders, attacked from the right flank and penetrated the penalty box late in the second half.

Roberto Mendoza, who subbed for mainstay goalie Michael Casas, fouled Poderoso. Mendoza was issued a yellow card for stopping a promising play but the goalie made up for the foul by thwarting Poderoso’s penalty kick 9.5 meters from the goal.

In the battle for third, San Carlos City FC survived a late rally by Sagay City FC, 3-2 to settle for second runner-up honors in the first game yesterday afternoon.

Ramon Gonzales of San Carlos scored the lone goal of the first half in the 29th minute of play.

Sagay started aggressive attacks when play resumed for the second half but fluid passing and superior ball control of San Carlos booters netted them two more goals from Archie Pamilar (50th) and John Marcellana (60th).

Carl de Jesus booted in Sagay’s first goal in the 66th minute while Marsh Caballero delivered in the 85th minute but the clock ran out of Sagay City FC.

In the individual awards, icing on the cake for Ceres FC was bagging four out of the five awards up for grabs. Michael Casas won the Golden Gloove (Best Goalkeeper), Jason Cordova was proclaimed Best Defender, Aldrin Dolino was named Best Midfielder and Ali Go was adjudged as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

Bacolod United’s Jayme Poderoso broke Ceres FC’s monopoly of the individual awards by bagging the Golden Boot (Best Striker) with his 16-goal output in the bootfest.

Meanwhile, tournament commissioner Warren Concepcion and provincial sports coordinator Nonong Verdeflor disclosed that, with the success of the first province-wide tourney which attracted 16 teams, Gov. Marañon envisions the staging of the second leg of the tournament.

“The second leg will be launched after the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet which the province is hosting this coming March 12 to 16 here at Panaad,” said Verdeflor.

Concepcion added, “We are looking at the participation of about 22 teams, some of which will be coming from Cebu, Iloilo and Dumaguete. The increased number of team will necessitate that the next edition of this tourney will be in two divisions, with the eight quarterfinalists automatically qualifying for Division 1. Two other teams will be included in this highly competitive bracket, depending on their line-up and experience.”

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper on January 23, 2012.Pic : Migz Y. Bacaoco

I WAS unable to watch the match between the Azkals United and Icheon Citizen on Saturday night (I had previous commitments that I could not wriggle free from). Despite my absence, I would text friends as well as my staff who covered for my absence as media officer on match day.

When I learned that our team had lost, 4-2, I bowed my head and felt hurt. Having been one of those few covering the national team (I know technically this is not the national squad but still…), I’ve been trying my darned best to help the sport that I grew up playing grow in the country. The players aren’t the only ones who get hurt by the losses. While football activity and interest has spiked in the 13 months, there remain those critical of the sport who feel the national squad is overhyped and that interest in the sport is a fad.

However, this isn’t about me debunking those arguments. I have done that in previous columns. Instead, I would like to clear the air about certain matters.

Over the last two days, a lot of people have asked me if it was true that the Azkals United team was going to miss the services of several mainstays due to club duty. When I confirmed that, some quickly opined that the clubs were selfish as they put their concerns above national duty.

That is quite untrue. For starters, the clubs have always supported and given way to the national team. The UFL Cup competition of 2010 was suspended for a couple of weeks as the nationals left for the Suzuki Cup in Vietnam and Indonesia. So hectic were the schedules that the finals originally slated for December were postponed for January of 2011. And the cup competition was once more suspended so that everyone could support our campaign in the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta last December.

Yet in an unfortunate quirk of schedules, the Kia Rio Cup (between the Azkals United and Icheon Citizen) was set for January 21, a week after the kickoff of the UFL’s league competition. League mainstays Kaya and Loyola were unable to release their players because they had matches the following day.

22 January 2012

MANILA, Philippines—James Younghusband struck in the 79th minute as Loyola Meralco edged Army, 2-1, Sunday night to grab top spot in the first division of the United Football League at the Nomads field in Parañaque.

The national team standout linked up with younger brother Phil before firing past Eduard Sacapano from close range as the Sparks kept their perfect start to the season.

Kaya later joined Loyola Meralco on top with a narrow 2-1 win over Green Archers United at the UMak pitch.

Lexton Moy scored two goals in an enthralling second half as Kaya followed up its 1-nil upset of Air Force with another workmanlike display.

Mark Hartmann opened the scoring with a 25-yard strike in the 18th minute, but Army equalized through Meliton Pelayo 12 minutes later.

Phil Younghusband, who scored twice in the 3-2 win over Green Archers last week, wasted a couple of golden opportunities early in the second half, while substitute Jake Morallo was denied by Sacapano from close range in the 75th minute.

But just when it looked like the Armymen were about to deny the Sparks maximum points, the Younghusband brothers joined forces with James providing the clinical finish from the right.

The Sparks now have six points from two matches, ahead of Nomads with four, while Armymen stayed at the middle of the table with three points they collected from the 2-1 win over Global last Sunday.

“It was a tough match and we had to be very professional against a very experienced team,” said James Younghusband.

Despite playing for the Azkals the night before, Roel Gener and Boogie Margarse held their ground against the Sparks’ loaded roster.Sacapano who also played for the Azkals Saturday needed to be alert to stop Hartmann from close range in the 10th minute.Given time and space on top of the box, Hartmann made no mistake, rifling home a low shot to make it 1-nil.Army caught the Sparks on the counterattack as Pelayo latched onto a long ball to score past an approaching Ref Cuaresma.The Sparks dominated the second half and, with Morallo coming in to add bite to midfield, Loyola cranked up the pressure, leading to Younghusband’s game-winner.

However, the early lead did not bother the revamped squad of QCU with recruit Hanesin Prince Anthony converting a penalty in the 30th minute after Junard Aguilar was fouled.

“After that unexpected goal, the boys held their composure and focused on the game,” said Ceniza. “I commend the boys because they were not discouraged. Even if they conceded in the first minute, they fought back. They wanted to win but it was just very unlucky.”

THE ninth year of the Thirsty Football Cup set to open next month is getting bigger with already 307 teams listed.

This is the number of teams who called organizers last week to reserve slots for the two-weekend tournament from Feb. 11 and 12 and Feb. 18 and 19 at the University of San Carlos Football Field in Talamban.

However, from the 307, only a little over 50 teams have submitted the registration form and paid the entry fee for the tournament.

For teams in the Players 6, 8, 10, Boys 12, Boys and Girls 14 and Boys and Girls 19, the registration fee is P500, while in the men’s and women’s open, 36- and 42-above divisions, the fee is P1,000.

Organizers did not raise the registration fee fee from last year to attract more teams and to encourage first-time clubs to join the competition.

If all the 307 teams who reserved slots sign up, this year will feature the largest field in tournament history.

Aside from the Cebu-based squads, there are also 22 out-of-town teams from Masbate, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Tacloban, Bohol and Iligan that will join.

zkals United, a selection of current and former members of the Philippine national men’s football team, gallantly battled to a 1-all tie against third-tier South Korean club Icheon Citizen FC, only to lose in a penalty shootout, 4-2, in a charity match Saturday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

The Philippine side, which was playing without some of its top players because of United Football League commitments, bucked a 21st minute goal by Icheon striker Bin Tae Kwan, remaining aggressive throughout the match. Azkals mainstays Misagh Bahadoran and Chieffy Caligdong had opportunities early in the second half, but were unable to capitalize. Filipino-German Dennis Wolf, who was making his Azkals debut, also had several attempts that did not bear fruit.

Scoring Summary

Azkals United Icheon Citizens FCMarwin Angeles (89') Bin Tae Kwan (21')Still, Azkals United kept on the attack, and Marwin Angeles, a member of the Under-23 national squad, broke through with a goal in the 89th minute to equalize.

The rules of the friendly provided for no extra time after 90 minutes of play in case of a tied match, necessitating a penalty shootout.

The South Koreans knocked in all four of their penalty shots, while Angel Guirado, the first taker for the Philippines, and Carli de Murga, the last, missed their respective attempts. Chieffy Caligdong, who served as the captain for the match, and Ruben Doctora, a former national player, made their attempts for the Azkals.

Azkals coach Hans Michael Weiss said he was happy with the result. “I want to congratulate the team, despite the loss,” he said, noting the fighting heart of the team during the comeback.

The proceeds of the match are set to go to victims of tropical storm “Sendong,” which affected thousands of families in southern Philippines. It was the second charity match played by a selection composed of Azkals players this month. On January 7, a Philippine selection dropped a 3-1 result to CF Internacional de Madrid.

MANILA, Philippines – The Azkals United may be playing minus their key members Saturday, but they remain confident ahead of their Kia RIO Cup friendly match against Icheon Citizen FC of South Korea.

“I expect a strong side from Korea, we have to react to that,” said Azkals team coach Hans Michael Weiss.

However, they will have to do that without Filipino-British siblings Phil and James Younghusband, Nate Burkey, Jason Sabio and others.

Weiss said some players would have to miss the charity game due to their obligations to their mother clubs in the United Football League (UFL).

The Younghusbands play for the Meralco Sparks FC, while Burkey, Sabio and Lexton Moy play for Kaya Cignal FC.

“Nevertheless, we have a good crop of players and I'm confident we can do something tomorrow,” said Weiss.

Weiss is referring to the inclusion of Azkals right back Rob Gier and Filipino-German Dennis Wolf into their line-up.

Gier said the absence of the Younghusbands is a great opportunity for other Pinoy players to step up.

“Without Phil and James, it gives someone else the opportunity to show what they could do. In a way, I think it could be good,” he said.

The Kia RIO Cup will take place at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Members of the Korean side arrived in Manila late Thursday.

Icheon coach Lee Hyun-chang said they are looking forward to playing against the Filipino squad.

He said it is good for both countries to finally play a football match.

“Thank you for inviting us to the Philippines... I know there's a lot of competition in basketball between Philippines and Korea but not in soccer tournaments,” said Lee through a translator.

The Kia RIO Cup was organized for the benefit of the Sendong victims as well as the families hit by the recent landslide in Compostela Valley.

Charlie Williams of Dragon Promotions, which is responsible for bringing the Korean team in, said the idea of holding the charity game actually started in a conversation over lunch.

“Six months ago, we were having lunch with Vice President for ABS-CBN Sports Peter Musngi. We’ve been producing billiards events for the Philippines for many years now… we talked about football, Philippines and how's it's growing exponentially over the last couple of years,” related Williams.

They talked about the Koreans’ love for football and the growing population of the Korean community in the Philippines.

“Then it just kind of came out, oh, football, Korea, what do you guys think about doing a football event with Korean team and the Azkals? And here we are 6 months later,” said Williams.

The Kia Rio Cup between the Azkals United and Icheon Citizen will be aired live by Studio 23 on January 21 starting at 7 p.m.

Nomads Auction Manila seeks to move top of the table Saturday when it battles Navy Red Juice in the United Football League at the University of Makati field.

Kickoff is at 2 p.m. with Nomads, hoping to build on their 3-2 victory over Pasargad, against a Navy side that finished last in the first division last season.

Global and Pasargad collide at 4 p.m. in a battle of teams that dropped their first games of the tournament.

Both games will be aired live over AKTV on IBC13.

Other opening-day winners Loyola Meralco and Kaya will be in action on Sunday, while Stallion faces defending champion Air Force on Tuesday.

Nomads vs Navy. Nomads will lean on its attacking duo of Steve Borril and Phil Connoly, who scored the game winning goal against Pasargad.

Steve Blake, the former best goalkeeper awardee in the second division, will also play a key role along with defender Randy Musters, who scored Nomads’ first goal of the season – a curling left-footed goal from 20 yards.

Navy, once considered a traditional powerhouse, has failed to keep up with the buildup of the big teams in the league. They will be hoping to bounce back from a heavy 6-0 loss to Stallion.

Loreto Kalalang, the veteran right fullback, will be back in the lineup, after sitting out the Stallion game due to suspension. But the Sailors will be without defender Gerard Orcullo, who was sent off in the game against Stallion.

Veterans of many international matches, Marlon Pinero and Reydric Viliran are expected to pair up front for Navy, which is looking for its first win in the first division in the last two seasons.

Aside from adding Orcullo to the lineup, Coach Marlon Maro’s side also beefed up its midfield by acquiring former national team player Jeff Liman from Kaya.

Global vs Pasargad. Despite infusing new talent to its squad, Global absorbed a stunning 1-2 loss to Army Fritz and Macziol last Sunday.

The task of bouncing back looks to be tougher for coach Graeme MacKinnon’s side with some of his players expected to miss its second game,

“Our players need to step up. We must improve,” said MacKinnon. “We can’t afford to play the way we played against Army.”

Sudanese striker Izo Elhabbib will lead Global’s attack line along with the fleet-footed William Guerridon.

Elhabbib was last year’s leading scorer with 10 goals in league play.

Pasargad, one of the three promoted teams from the second division, showed plenty of fight before fading in the second half in the 2-3 defeat to Nomads.

Charlie Sutcliffe and Jay Torres scored quick goals in the first half to give Pasargad a 2-1 lead after 16 minutes.